Celtic have received surprising Reo Hatate transfer blow

Celtic have been linked with quite a few J1 League players in recent weeks. One of them is Kawasaki Frontale’s Reo Hatate, who has been a standout performer for a while now. The versatile Japanese star has featured regularly for the back-to-back league champions and now, it looks like he could headed to Europe to join Kyogo Furuhashi in Glasgow. There appears to be an unexpected worry regarding the potential move though.

On paper, this looked like a straightforward move for Celtic. Hatate’s current deal runs out at the end of January and as a result, he will actually be available on a free transfer not too long afterwards.

There have been suggestions thoough that the Hoops will try to get him out of the last few weeks of his contract so that he can join the club’s training camp during the winter break.

But as reported by The Japan Times, Kawasaki Frontale want much more for Hatate than the terms Celtic are prepared to offer.

Celtic handed surprising Hatate transfer blow

This is surprising to say the least. Hatate’s current deal is coming to an end soon and thus an offer should be considered as a bonus at this point of time.

It remains to be seen how things unfold in the transfer saga but if Celtic do really want to bring Hatate to Glasgow, it does feel like they will find a way. Of course, the move could be pushed back several weeks.

It is not hard to see why Celtic might be interested in signing Hatate. He can play on both wings, as well as a left-back, despite being a natural midfielder. And that kind of versatility can be very important for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who do not have a lot of depth right now and need to make additions in January.